Re: msconfigx32 keeps coming up

Bruce,

Visited Ad-Aware to acquire LavaSoft's "free"
edition as you recommended but everything I
saw on the site required a purchase. Already
have Symantec Internet Security and PC Tools'
Spyware Doctor, so don't want to spend another
$40-50 bucks. I do have a old version of a free
Ad-Aware scanner but its definitions are dated
2004. LavaSoft offers no facility to update these
ancient definitions.

Do you have a specific "freeware" URL?

"Bruce Chambers" <bchambers@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:OCMg$hPzFHA.2880@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Michael wrote:
>> my firewall says msconfigx32 wants to access the internet. What is
>> it?
>>
>>
>
>
> Nothing good. It's most definitely not a Windows file. What
> specific anti-virus application are you using? Are its virus
> definition files current? What other sort of anti-malware
> applications are you using?
>
> To deal with issues caused by any sort of "adware" and/or
> "spyware," such as Gator, Comet Cursors, Smiley Central, Xupiter,
> Bonzai Buddy, or KaZaA, and their remnants, that you've deliberately
> (but without understanding the consequences) installed, two
> products that are quite effective (at finding and removing this type
> of scumware) are Ad-Aware from www.lavasoft.de and SpyBot Search &
> Destroy from www.safer-networking.org/. Both have free versions.
> It's even possible to use SpyBot Search & Destroy to "immunize" your
> system against most future intrusions. I use both and generally
> perform manual scans every week or so to clean out cookies, etc.
>
> Additionally, manual removal instructions for the most common
> varieties of scumware are available here:
>
> PC Hell Spyware and Adware Removal Help
> http://www.pchell.com/support/spyware.shtml
>
> More information and assistance is available at these sites:
>
> Blocking Ads, Parasites, and Hijackers with a Hosts File
> http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
>
> The Parasite Fight
> http://www.aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
>
> There are several essential components to computer security: a
> knowledgeable and pro-active user, a properly configured firewall,
> reliable and up-to-date antivirus software, and the prompt repair
> (via
> patches, hotfixes, or service packs) of any known vulnerabilities.
>
> The weakest link in this "equation" is, of course, the computer
> user. No software manufacturer can -- nor should they be expected
> to -- protect the computer user from him/herself. All too many
> people
> have bought into the various PC/software manufacturers marketing
> claims of easy computing. They believe that their computer should
> be
> no harder to use than a toaster oven; they have neither the
> inclination or desire to learn how to safely use their computer.
> All
> too few people keep their antivirus software current, install
> patches
> in a timely manner, or stop to really think about that cutesy link
> they're about to click.
>
> Firewalls and anti-virus applications, which should always be
> used
> and should always be running, are important components of "safe
> hex,"
> but they cannot, and should not be expected to, protect the computer
> user from him/herself. Ultimately, it is incumbent upon each and
> every computer user to learn how to secure his/her own computer.
>
> To learn more about practicing "safe hex," start with these
> links:
>
> Protect Your PC
> http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp
>
> Home Computer Security
> http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/
>
> List of Antivirus Software Vendors
> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;49500
>
> Home PC Firewall Guide
> http://www.firewallguide.com/
>
> Scumware.com
> http://www.scumware.com/
>
>
> --
>
> Bruce Chambers
>
> Help us help you:
> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
> You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
> having both at once. - RAH


.

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